As Storm Eowyn approaches, the Met Office has issued a red weather warning for Oban and the surrounding areas. Severe winds and heavy rain are expected, posing risks to properties, infrastructure, and personal safety. For those managing holiday lets in Oban or residing in the area, it’s crucial to take proactive measures to protect your property and guests. Below is a detailed guide to help you prepare and respond effectively during this storm.
Stay Informed
Monitor Weather Updates
Stay up to date with accurate information through trusted sources like the Met Office, Ready Scotland, and Traffic Scotland. These platforms will provide real-time updates about weather conditions, road closures, and travel disruptions.
"We strongly advise everyone to keep checking for updates and adhere to advice given by emergency services," says Police Scotland.
Local Alerts
Keep an eye on updates from Argyll & Bute Council. These will provide specific guidance for the Oban area, including road closures and emergency assistance locations.
Protect Your Property
Prepare Holiday Lets and Homes
For owners of Oban holiday cottages and self-catering properties, securing your property is essential:
Bring Indoors or Secure Loose Items: Move garden furniture, bins, and outdoor decorations inside or firmly secure them to prevent damage.
Inspect Gutters and Drains: Clear debris to reduce the risk of flooding from heavy rainfall. This is particularly important for short-term rentals where guests may not know how to handle sudden issues.
Prepare for Power Cuts
Charge all essential devices, including mobile phones, power banks, and any guest-use appliances in your holiday accommodation.
Provide torches, spare batteries, and candles in case of outages, ensuring guest safety.
Keep bottled water and non-perishable food items in the property for emergencies.
Secure Vulnerable Areas
Close and lock all windows and doors. Use shutters or boards if available to protect glass from debris.
Move valuable items and electronics to higher levels to prevent water damage in case of flooding.
Guest and Travel Safety
Inform Your Guests
For those managing self-catering properties in Oban, communicate storm precautions to your guests:
Advise them to avoid travel during the storm unless absolutely necessary.
Share key emergency contacts and resources like Ready Scotland and Police Scotland for additional guidance.
Avoid Unnecessary Travel
Travel during red weather warnings is highly discouraged. High winds can cause flying debris, fallen trees, and dangerous conditions.
"Roads may become impassable due to fallen trees or flooding, and high-sided vehicles are especially at risk," warns Traffic Scotland.
If travel cannot be avoided:
Check routes for closures or delays on Traffic Scotland.
Pack an emergency kit with blankets, water, torches, and a charged phone.
Caution for Pedestrians
Guests and residents should avoid coastal paths, promenades, and open areas where strong winds and flying debris pose serious hazards.
Be vigilant of falling branches and other dangers while outdoors.
Support Your Community
Check on Neighbours
Look out for vulnerable individuals, such as the elderly or those with limited mobility. Offer assistance in securing their homes or gathering supplies.
Emergency Contacts
999: For life-threatening emergencies
101: For non-urgent police matters
Local utilities like SP Energy Networks for reporting outages
Oban Holiday Lets: Prepared for Storm Eowyn
At Oban Holiday Lets, we understand the importance of preparing properties for severe weather events like Storm Eowyn. Our holiday let management services include proactive maintenance to ensure properties are storm-ready and guest-safe.
Whether you own an Oban holiday home or a short-term rental, having a reliable property management team in place ensures peace of mind during storms and other challenges.
Key Resources
Met Office Warnings: Visit the Met Office
Ready Scotland Storm Guidance: Ready Scotland
Traffic Updates: Traffic Scotland
Police Advice: Police Scotland Updates
A Final Reminder
Storm Eowyn presents significant risks to life, property, and travel. By preparing in advance and following safety advice, you can protect yourself, your property, and your guests. As Police Scotland emphasises:
"Do not underestimate the power of this storm. Following safety advice is crucial to keeping yourself, your loved ones, and your community safe."
Stay safe, Oban, and remember to look out for one another during this challenging time.
